I've been around, I've had my share
If you want to keep your song
Like a sunny summer day
So play the chords of love, my friend
Play the chords of pain
If you want to keep your song
But God, help the troubadour
I've seen my share of hustlers
If you want to keep your song
If you want to keep your song
They're surrounded by the girls
Play the chords of pain
So play the chords of love, my friend
When they find their melody
They write down what you say
Don't, don't, don't, don't play the chords of fame
Play the chords of pain
As they try to take the world
They will put you up for sale
Was all that he had left
More that you will find success
Play the chords of pain
'Cause you carry a guitar
Who tries to be a star
They will rob you of your innocence
Don't, don't, don't, don't play the chords of fame
But I wonder who I left behind
Reporters ask you questions
I can see you make the music
So play the chords of love, my friend
Don't, don't, don't, don't play the chords of fame
The more that you will fail
And I really can't complain
The other side of fame
A bottle of gin and a cigarette
So play the chords of love, my friend
But it all fades so quickly
